Cape Town - The Cape of Good Hope SPCA continues to crack down on animal cruelty in Cape Town, after an underweight horse and dog were confiscated from Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain.
The rescue mission came after complaints about the animals’ well-being were sent to the SPCA on Friday.
It was discovered that the animals were being kept in conditions contravening the Animals Protection Act.
Chief inspector Jaco Pieterse said leading inspector, Jeffrey Mfini, had engaged with the owner, who did not comply with instructions.
Pieterse said warnings were issued for the owner to seek veterinary care for the animals, but they fell on deaf ears.
After a warrant for the removal of the animals was obtained from the magistrate's court, the SPCA inspectors, with the assistance of City law enforcement officers visited the property to execute the confiscation.
In the backyard, inspectors made the shocking discovery of the dog and horse that were underweight.
Pieterse said: “The ribs and hip bones at the back are showing. This dog should have been seen by a vet. He is not in good shape; we will be seizing him.”
On the other side of the property underneath a makeshift structure with a small metal gate was the horse.
Two 25-litre water buckets and the wooden box used for feeding were empty.
“The living condition is also not ideal; this horse’s coat is dull. This is unacceptable,” Pieterse said.
Law Enforcement spokesperson, Wayne Dyason, said the department was unaware of any aid given to the SPCA.
SPCA spokesperson, Belinda Abraham, revealed that over the past financial year, the SPCA looked into a significant number of animal abuse incidents. “During the last financial year our inspectorate investigated 21 235 cases of animal cruelty, issued 13 435 warnings and executed 122 warrants to inspect and remove animals from circumstances like these when owners fail to comply with the warnings issued,” she said.
Pieterse highlighted that multiple horses were being used by residents for working purposes.
Both animals were successfully removed from the property and the owner will face charges as the SPCA is looking to take further action.
Connor, who has been wrestling for the past nine years, said he was just as proud of his achievement.
This is the second year the boys made it to the national round of the sport.
“Wrestling is not just for fighting. It trains you to be focused, disciplined and to have confidence in yourself, so I would motivate anyone to do it. Besides, having an extra-curricular activity is always a good thing,” he said.
McKenzie said he was exceptionally proud of his children.
“I think they are absolutely hungry for success and for them to know that with that hunger for success comes respect, makes me even more proud.
“I see how they respect adults, peers, and their biggest priority-academics.”
He said he was also proud that they were achieving great results academically too.
The boys’ mother and McKenzie’s wife Kelly, thanked everyone for their support.
“This sport takes a lot of time and sacrifice from everyone concerned, even ouma and oupa do pick ups and drop offs.
“It also takes a lot from the food bill, because the one weighs 110 and the other 75kgs” she joked.
The boys’ youngest brother Callum, said he hoped to be just like them one day.
Cape Argus